WART TREATMENT AND REMOVAL

Warts are benign skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body, and their characteristics vary depending on their location. On the face and hands, warts tend to be raised, whereas on the soles of the feet, they become flatter and harder due to the pressure of standing, known as plantar warts. These plantar warts can sometimes be painful to walk on and often have a rough surface with tiny dark spots.

WHAT CAUSES WARTS?

Warts are commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious through direct contact. They can spread to other parts of the body or to other people and are challenging to prevent. They may also bleed if injured, but common warts are non-cancerous and do not turn into cancer.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR WARTS?

Warts have been treated for thousands of years with various methods, often disappearing on their own, particularly in young children, over a period that can extend up to two years. This spontaneous resolution is less common in older children and adults.

Modern treatments typically focus on destroying the outer layer of skin that the wart virus inhabits. This can be achieved through the application of chemicals, or by freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. Multiple treatments, often between five to ten, may be necessary before the wart is fully removed.

Recent advances include methods to stimulate the immune system to naturally clear the warts. Oral medications that boost immune response have been used for stubborn or multiple warts. Additionally, topical immune stimulants can be applied directly to the wart. The choice of treatment will depend on the wart’s size and location, your skin type, and the dermatologist’s discretion.

It's common for new warts to develop while existing ones are being treated. These new warts are treated once they become large enough to be seen. Despite treatment, warts can be stubborn and might not disappear entirely or may recur weeks or months after they seem to have been cured. If warts recur, further treatments may be necessary.